Erica Freedman, SwitchUp

2018/05/24

Attend a Python bootcamp to begin a career in Data Science, Data Analysis or Software Engineering.

If you’ve recently decided to attend a Python bootcamp, you’ve made a great choice. Python is one of the most commonly used programming languages. As a high-level language, it is used for a variety of applications and tools. It boasts efficient code bases, easy readability, and a user-friendly interface. In this piece, we take a closer look at the uses of Python, where it is most commonly found in the technology world and how it can help you begin a great career.

Python is known as an object-oriented programming language. It has simple syntax, which makes it a great programming language for beginners. According to the Python website, the language is “a general-purpose language. It has a wide range of applications from Web development (like Django and Bottle), scientific and mathematical computing (Orange, SymPy, NumPy) to desktop graphical user Interfaces (Pygame, Panda3D).”

The Beginning

Python was founded in the late 1980’s by Guido van Rossum. When he began his work on Python, he was working with an older operating system known as Amoeba. Because Amoeba did not use letters to communicate code, van Rossum developed Python. He wanted to write short code using basic syntax. To put it plainly, he wanted to write with letters. Go figure! The Python programming language was originally named after the movie “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” a personal favorite of van Rossum’s.

The first release of the Python program was in 1994, with the most updated version being released in 2015.

So what makes Python so special?

For many beginners, coding Python tends to be easier than coding similar languages. When compared to C++, Java or C#, Python is usually thought of as the “novice-friendly” program. By allowing users to code in a known language with simple syntax, it makes it possible to focus on the outcomes of the code rather than the code itself.

Python is easily distributed. Unlike other languages, Python can hop from one operating system to the next without changing its form. It runs on Mac OS X as seamlessly as it does on PC.

Python converts your code for you. Unlike C++, Python is able to essentially translate your code, making it understandable to whatever your computer or operating system is capable of reading.

Python works with other languages. If you are working with a high-performance program or application, the Python program can build upon other languages or codes. This embedded format can give your application out of the box scripting capabilities.

Python is an OOP. Python lets you solve problems intuitively. Unlike other languages that require workarounds to achieve the desired result, Python lets you break up complex problems into bite-sized pieces. It makes it possible to achieve goals, even at a novice level.

Python is fun. Because it is a simple language, it is possible for all types of programmers to enjoy using the code. Its intuitive nature and straight-forward syntax remove the frustration from the backend of programs and replace it with a simple, achievable form. This leaves room for experimentation, creativity, and humor.

Python is flexible. Like any program, Python has rules that must be followed, but they aren’t as strict as with other languages. The dreaded “;” that often derails other languages does not pose as much of a problem in Python. Instead, Python is mostly about indentation and correct communication.

Python has a good network. Because Python has been around for quite some time, there are many people around the world that have used the program. Because of this, Python has a slew of support networks, forums, online tutorials and classes that are available through every step of your Python program journey.

Career Opportunities with Python

Python programming language is the most widely used language for Data Scientists around the world. The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers ranked Python the most-used programming language in 2018 with only Java and C close behind.
A recent search on Indeed.com showed 55,000 Python jobs in the USA with salaries ranging from $80,000 to $135,000.

According to Master’s in Data Science “Bank of America uses Python to crunch financial data. The Theoretical Physics Division of Los Alamos National Laboratory chose Python to not only control simulations, but also analyze and visualize data. Facebook turns to the Python library Pandas for its data analysis because it sees the benefit of using one programming language across multiple applications.” Python job titles can include Research Analyst, Data Scientist, Software Developer, Data Analyst, and Software Engineer.